Growth potential of Rhodopseudomonas sp. bacterium in various organic carbon sources and its application in aquaculture wastewater treatment

Abstract

This study assesses the growth potential and aquaculture wastewater treatment capabilities of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas sp., isolated from coastal areas of Thua Thien Hue province. The bacterium’s growth ability was tested with various organic carbon sources, including sodium acetate, sucrose, and glucose, and examined under both sterilized and non-sterilized aquaculture wastewater conditions. The results show that Rhodopseudomonas sp. achieved a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, reducing COD by 73% in sterilized wastewater and 56% in non-sterilized wastewater after 12 days. The bacterium also effectively removed up to 90% of total ammonium nitrogen and 71% of phosphate (P-PO₄³⁻) in non-sterilized wastewater. Rhodopseudomonas sp. exhibited stable growth in high-salinity environments (20‰) and flexibility in utilizing various carbon sources, demonstrating its potential for sustainable aquaculture wastewater treatment (WWT), minimizing environmental pollution, and preserving natural ecosystems. This study not only contributes to developing sustainable WWT methods but also highlights the practical application of native Rhodopseudomonas sp. bacteria in aquaculture and other high-salinity industrial wastewater systems.